Our Picks 6/19-6/26

JAZZY—Get up close and personal at the Bend Athletic Club courtyard with foursome Medski, Scofield, Martin & Wood while they perform their genre-bending jams influenced by jazz, funk and "avant-noise," among other musical currents. The band produces danceable beats built on improvisation—a perfect soundtrack to a summer evening. 5:30 pm. Athletic Club of Bend, 61615 Athletic Club Dr. $34.

friday 20

Amy LaVere

STRINGS—Amy LaVere's record Runaway's Diary is a loose collection of the emotions, memories and dreams that spurred her real life (albeit brief) runaway to Chicago as a teenager. Her stories, with which she seizes artistic liberty, are played out on her standup bass with her strong yet delicate voice that could have easily escaped from another era as well. 9 pm. Volcanic Theatre, 70 SW Century Dr. $5.

friday 20

Bend Wide Open Putt Putt

PUTT PUTT—Traditionally, putt putt golf courses have been all AstroTurf and populated by absurd obstacles like giant plastic elephants that you have to aim a ball through. This is so much better: Downtown Bend is transformed into a mini-golf course, as various shops and venues serve as the individual holes. Costumes highly recommended. Rodney Dangerfield would love this! 2–10 pm. Ad Hoc Pro Shop at Crows Feet Commons. $20 advance, $25 day of event.

saturday 21

Necktie Killers

RUDE BOYS—A local band, packing a punch unlike most of what you will find in Central Oregon, this edgy group is full of surprising and wild but catchy melodies, from heaps of overlapping and ska-infused stylistic influences. Perhaps their spontaneity and adventurousness is classically Central Oregon after all. Practice your skanking and feel that up-beat. 9 pm. Volcanic Theatre, 70 SW Century Dr. $5.

saturday 21

Smith Rock Paint Out

ART—Artists and nature lovers converge on Smith Rock for the second annual en plein-air (that's French for "in the open air) painting event. Watch as local artists transform the landscape into works of art—or try your own hand at the style beloved by impressionists such as Monet and Renoir. The best pieces may win cash prizes and will be displayed at the Redmond Airport. 8 am-3 pm. Smith Rock State Park. $5 parking fee.

saturday 21

4 Peaks Music Festival

MUSIC—Americana-based newgrass band Railroad Earth headlines this three-day fest at Rockin' A Ranch. With a strong lineup of roots, bluegrass, Americana and funk favorites—including Ivan Neville's NOLA-based Dumpstaphunk, San Francisco's Hot Buttered Rum and locals Broken Down Guitars—this is a uniquely Bend music festival. Adding to the good times vibe: Ken Kesey's iconic Furthur Bus will stop through as part of its 50th anniversary tour. 9:30 am-late. Rockin' A Ranch, 19449 Tumalo Reservoir Rd. $85-$135.

sunday 22

World Cup

FUTBOL—The U.S. soccer team moves into its second game in the so-called Group of Death bracket. Its youth may be both an Achilles heel as well as a fleet-footed attribute as the team faces Portugal, whose players are five years older in average age. Of course, that includes Cristiano Ronaldo, the FIFA player of the year who steamrolls over just about everyone, no matter their age. 3 pm. Watch at Sidelines, 1020 NW Wall, or Café Sintra, 1024 NW Bond. Free.

monday 23

Bite Week

FOOD—Bite Week kicks off with two fantastic classes—first, the art and science of beer crafting taught by Platypus Pub's very knowledgeable Tom Gilles, who has helped midwife Central Oregon's beer culture. Next is a comprehensive class on making dumplings—from saucing a pork shoulder to dough handling. 4:30 pm and 5:45 pm. Cascade Culinary Institute, NW Campus Village Way. $15 per class.

wednesday 25

Pickin' and Paddlin'

FLOAT—Other towns dream of this sort of event: Free demos of kayaks, paddleboards and other watercraft, an easy-flowing river a stone's throw away, and fun-spirited Americana bands starting in the late, lazy afternoon and melting into the summer evenings. With a rollicking cover of Springsteen's "I'm on Fire," The Blackberry Bushes is a fun-spirited band that kickstarts the summer series. 4-9 pm. Tumalo Creek, 805 SW Industrial Way. Free.

wednesday 25

Familiar Souls

JAM BAND—There's nothing quite like jamming out to songs you know and love. This six-piece Central Oregon band plays its own eclectic body-moving tracks alongside danceable favorites from the likes of Grateful Dead, Johnny Cash, Ben Harper and Slighty Stoopid. Familiar Souls specializes in that warm, fuzzy feeling that goes great with a pint of your favorite brew. Peace, love and all that jazz, man. 7 pm. McMenamins Old St. Francis School, Father Luke's Room. Free.